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Definition

Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is a blood test that looks at how long it takes for blood to clot. It can help tell if you have bleeding or clotting problems.

Alternative Names

APTT; PTT; Activated partial thromboplastin time

How the test is performed

The health care provider uses a needle to take blood from one of your veins. The blood collects into an air-tight container. You may be given a bandage to stop any bleeding. If you are taking a medicine called heparin, you will be watched for signs of bleeding.

The laboratory specialist will add chemicals to the blood sample and see how many seconds it takes for the blood to clot.

How to prepare for the test

The health care provider may tell you to stop taking certain drugs before the test. Drugs that can affect the results of a PTT test include antihistamines, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), aspirin, and chlorpromazine (Thorazine).

Do not stop taking any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

How the test will feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed

Your doctor may order this test if you have problems with bleeding or blood clotting. When you bleed, the body launches a series of activities that help the blood clot. This is called the coagulation cascade. There are three pathways to this event. The PTT test looks at special proteins, called factors, found in two of these pathways.

The test may also be used to monitor patients who are taking heparin, a blood thinner.

A PTT test is usually done with other tests, such as the prothrombin test.

Normal Values

The normal value will vary between laboratories. In general, clotting should occur between 25 - 35 seconds. If the person is taking blood thinners, clotting takes up to two and a half times longer.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

What abnormal results mean

An abnormal (too long) PTT result may be due to:

What the risks are

This test is often done on people who may have bleeding problems. The risks of bleeding and hematoma in these patients are slightly greater than for people without bleeding problems.

In general, risks of any blood test may include:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fainting or feeling light-headed
  • Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
  • Multiple punctures to locate veins
References

Schmaier AH. Laboratory evaluation of hemostatic and thrombotic disorders. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr, Shattil SJ, et al, eds. Hoffman Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008:chap 122.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 02/13/2011

David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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Related Questions

What does the medical abbreviation PTT mean?

push to talk In medical settings PTT stands for partial thromboplastin time, and is a measurement of how long it takes the blood to clot.


In hematology what is PT and PTT?

Prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) tests are used to evaluate the extrinsic coagulation system


What do the medical abbreviations pt and ptt mean?

Prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) are tests that are used to evaluate the extrinsic coagulation system.


Medical term p.t.t. head?

PTT = Partial Thromboplastin Time (test). Don't know what and how 'head' relates to this.


What is the CPT code 85730?

CPT Code 85730- Thromboplastin time, partial (PTT); plasma or whole blood.


What color tube is used for partial thromboplastine time?

A light blue-top tube is commonly used for partial thromboplastin time (PTT) testing, as it contains sodium citrate as an anticoagulant.


Which drug effect does the partial thromboplastin time test monitor?

The PTT test can be used to monitor the effect of heparin on a patient's coagulation system.


What is the Blue tube collected for?

Coagulation studies-Prothrombin Time (PT), Coumadin therapy, Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT, PTT), Thrombin Time (TT) Vleeding time (BT)


How would you describe the partial thromboplastin time test analysis?

The PTT test is a blood sample that is spun in a centrifuge, separating the plasma. The coagulation cascade is triggered by calcium and activating substances. The PTT is the time it takes for a blood clot to form.


What color tube is used for ptt testing?

Light blue tubes are used for PTT (partial thromboplastin time) testing. These tubes contain sodium citrate as an anticoagulant, which helps prevent blood from clotting during the test.


What color tube is used for a ptt test?

A light blue tube is typically used for a partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test. This tube contains sodium citrate as an anticoagulant to prevent blood clotting during the test.


What is the acronym for measuremement of blood coagulation?

There are a few tests used to measure blood's coagulability. PT is prothrombin time, PTT is partial thromboplastin time, the INR is the international normalized ratio.